Limpopo boxer to compete for IBO Super Featherweight title in Russia
Rofhiwa "War of child" Maemu (27) is preparing to give his opponent a tough time when he faces the Russian born, Shavkatdzhon Shokirovich Rakhimov for the IBO Super Featherweight title in Russia on Saturday.
LIMPOPO – The fight will take place over 12 rounds and threatens to be a humdinger.
According to his trainer, Emmanuel Mutavhatsindi, Maemu has fought 27 fights, winning 19, losing seven and drawing one. Rakhimov however is yet to taste defeat after 13 fights. Maemu has challenged worthy and rated boxers.
“Maemu is among the best fighters. Rakhimov is a good fighter but he makes a lot of mistakes and Maemu will capitalise on that,” said Mutavhatsindi.
“Limpopo has an abundance of talent when it comes to boxing. We must nurture and promote them to achieve greater heights, so that we can galvanise the future of boxing. In Limpopo, we have very few champions, so let’s support them and fly the flag high,” Mutavhatsindi said.
He says Maemu is training like a man possessed, because he views the fight as his best opportunity to win a big title. The outspoken Mutavhatsindi told CV he aims to take Maemu to international ranks in the near future.
Maemu is adamant that he will outclass Rakhimov. “I am well prepared for the event, and I am sure I will win the fight,” Maemu said. Mutavhatsindi agreed that Maemu was ready, physically and emotionally, and there was no way Rakhimov would beat him. Maemu said he was not moved by his opponent’s recent threats to dent his record.
“I will stick to my style of fighting. From what I’ve learnt about Rakhimov is that he fights on the back foot when he’s under pressure. Putting my opponents under pressure is my style of fighting, I won’t give him a chance to think. I’m aiming for a knockout,” he concluded.
